Arsenal play FC Twente in the champions league tomorrow night. If Arsenal manage to score one, then Twente will need four to advance. Hence, the outcome is fairly certain. Now then, one wonders what team Arsene will select. If he plays Cesc he is gambling with his health, but he is also providing some match fitness for the team's most important player. More than that, he is pressing for an outcome. Fiscally, playing in the CL is very very important. So, while the result of this qualifier may be far more certain than an individual PL match, it is also far more valuable. On the other hand, losing Cesc for an extended run may put the team in danger of missing next year's CL. So, in effect, the choice to play Cesc is a function of how he values this year's CL revenue vs next year's.
There are other choices to make as well: assuming that Djourou is still third choice, should he get a start ahead of Gallas (who has played all three games and has been subpar) or Toure (not fully match fit)? Cleary Djourou could use the experience. Should RVP or Adebayor be rested?
Personally, I'd have Cesc, Gallas, and Ade on the bench. By doing this you rest your players and increase the quality of your bench. Improving the bench controls costs in the future.
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